Meditation - why is it increasingly practiced in the west
No doubt you've seen photos of Indian sadhus meditating, or yoga practitioners sitting in a cross-legged pose, or images of the Buddha placed in homes and offices for their peaceful ambiance. Not content anymore with the ideologies but now seeking the benefits, countless numbers of individuals are kicking off their shoes, lighting incense and attending meditation classes in order to bring balance and happiness into their lives.
So why the added interest, could one of the reasons be that anti-depressants are increasingly being prescribed? Or that countless individuals are seeking relief from unhappiness brought on by stress, jealousy, frustration, expectation and a whole array of negative emotions and experiences? In many instances these symptoms are the very reason for the increase in class attendances where individuals come searching for a more meaningful, happier and fulfilling life.
Meditation is believed to have originated in India thousands of years ago. It then branched into a number of spiritual traditions moving through Tibet, China, Thailand, Japan and all S.E. Asian countries. In traditional yogic context meditation is defined as attaining a state of pure awareness. The art of quietly going within, of rising above the restlessness of the physical mind in order to merge with one's pure radiant nature. By rising above the mind's doubts, fears or anxieties the practitioner discovers an untapped source of peace, silence and wisdom.
The very nature of 'going within' is foreign to the western psyche. We are so busy in dealing with the surface issues, distractions and responsibilities of the outer world, that we have little awareness of the harmony, compassion and poise within the depths of our spiritual hearts. So many contradictory voices, dictates and feelings fight for control over our inner lives that we find ourselves scattered in all directions.
With such a fractured awareness focused predominatably on individuals' personal needs the world is on the verge of imploding from a lack of forsight where greed, anger, exploitation, suffering and unhappiness are endured by so many. But now out of sheer need this is rapidly changing as the oneness, calmness, wisdom and compassion of meditation are now sought. A simple practice that can easily be adopted at any time, but whose powerful benefits bring a positive awakening for peace, understanding, respect and harmony between individuals and members of the international community.
The Sri Chinmoy Centres internationally run free meditation classes in cities and towns on a regular basis. For a list of those Centres and their contact numbers see: Meditation classes.
Biography - Sahayak Plowman by nature is a positive and happy person. He attributes this to the growing experiences gained through his own meditation practice with the guidance given by his meditation teacher, Sri Chinmoy. He is also the lover of fine vegetarian food and the web master for Sri Chinmoy Books.com
Next - Sri Chinmoy, the visionary